Croke Park residents unhappy over Brooks mediation

A group representing residents near Croke Park has criticised the terms of reference for an independent mediation process ahead of the planned Garth Brooks concerts.

In the terms of reference, Kieran Mulvey says a report will be drawn up after negotiations "which will set out in detail systems to minimise the impact of licensed events on the surrounding communities".

However, Eamon O'Brien of the Croke Park Streets Committee said this is missing the point.

"The real question that has to be decided is the minimising of the number of events back to the level of three that had been set down as a planning condition for the stadium by An Bord Pleanála and around which number of events the Croke Park Stadium entered into agreements with the local community."

Mr O'Brien also criticised a survey being circulated to 27,000 residents by the GAA because the three main questions asked are about the Garda cordon, traffic and the cleanup, none of which is the responsibility of the GAA.

In the terms of reference, Mr Mulvey states that it is hoped there will be a Framework Agreement reached that will be adhered to by all sides and that could be subject to an independent review.

Mr Mulvey, who is chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission, was invited by the GAA to run the mediation process but said he and his assistant Senan Turnbull will be operating in an independent capacity.

He also said that the GAA accepts that "this mediation process will require a level of engagement with stakeholders which will be different from what has gone before".

The GAA is running an information day for local residents at the stadium on 29 March.

The first of five Garth Brooks concerts is due to take place on 25 July, while One Direction is confirmed for three nights starting 23 May.